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Thursday, November 21, 2024

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Scott Franklin discusses veteran support and military service

Congressman Scott Franklin highlights initiatives supporting veterans through events like Vet Fest while celebrating military milestones such as the USMC's birthday.

By Polk Times | Nov 11, 2024

Local Government

Scott Franklin criticizes federal disaster aid inefficiencies impacting Florida

In recent tweets by Congressman Scott Franklin from late October 2024, he criticized the Biden-Harris Administration for perceived international policy failures and discussed issues with federal disaster relief affecting Florida’s agriculture sector.

By Polk Times | Oct 31, 2024

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Scott Franklin urges presidential action for disaster declaration

By Polk Times | Oct 13, 2024

In recent tweets from October 11-13, Congressman Scott Franklin discussed pressing issues such as disaster relief efforts in Florida and support for local farmers.

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Scott Franklin discusses hurricane impacts and resources

By Polk Times | Oct 11, 2024

Congressman Scott Franklin shared insights from his flight into Hurricane Milton on October 8, along with information about veteran resources on October 9.

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Scott Franklin discusses agriculture innovation and international issues in latest tweets

By Polk Times | Oct 2, 2024

Congressman Scott Franklin recently addressed several topics through social media posts dated September 30 to October 2, 2024.

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Urgent call for Biden Administration to release weapon shipment to Israel

By Polk Times | May 8, 2024

Rep. Scott Franklin from Florida's 18th District has called on the Biden Administration to release a critical weapon shipment to Israel without further delay. In a statement issued today, Franklin criticized the administration's pause on the shipment, stating, "The President must stop strong-arming Israel into capitulating to Hamas and deliver the shipments as expeditiously as possible."

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Franklin Acts to Block New Overreaching Biden Agricultural Labor Regulations

By Polk Times | May 3, 2024

Rep. Scott Franklin from Florida has taken a stand against the Biden Department of Labor's new H-2A unionization rule. In a statement, Rep. Franklin expressed his concerns about the potential negative impact of the rule on the agricultural industry, stating, "This new DOL rule is the latest crippling regulation hoisted on Florida growers by the Biden Administration."Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, also criticized the new rule, highlighting the strong relationships that growers have with their employees and the potential threat to the...

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Franklin VA Accountability Measure Advances Past Committee

By Polk Times | May 1, 2024

Today, Rep. Scott Franklin’s bill to increase transparency in how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) records disciplinary action against VA staff was favorably reported out of Committee with broad bipartisan support.“Sadly, the VA has normalized reaching settlements with resigning employees under investigation or reassigning employees as a means to address allegations of misconduct within their agency,” Rep. Franklin said. “This practice sweeps potential wrongdoing under the rug and prevents a full account of the facts. We cannot allow VA staff—or any federal...

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Franklin Announces 2024 Congressional Art Competition Winners

By Polk Times | Apr 24, 2024

LAKELAND, FL—Yesterday, Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) revealed the results of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition at a ceremony held at Polk Museum of Art.“I’m pleased our office received a record-number of entries from across FL-18 this year,” Rep. Franklin expressed. “The competition doesn’t just showcase local talent, it provides an outlet for budding artists to pursue a passion and hone a skill, critical steps in maturing into successful adults. I applaud each student-artist who participated and the art teachers and families who support their creativity.”The theme...

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Franklin, Ernst Demand Answers for Bureaucrats Unionizing on Taxpayer Dime

By Polk Times | Mar 27, 2024

Rep. Scott Franklin and Sen. Joni Ernst are demanding answers from Acting Labor Secretary, Julie Su, regarding federal employees protesting stricter telework policies on taxpayers' money through the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Franklin emphasized the need for transparency and oversight, stating, "If employees can show up to the office to protest, they can show up to work." The lawmakers are seeking information on the taxpayer-funded union time and costs associated with the protest, with Franklin highlighting the importance of accountability in the...

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Franklin's Statement on U.S. Abstention on UN Security Council Gaza Ceasefire Resolution

By Polk Times | Mar 26, 2024

Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) has expressed his dissatisfaction with the U.S. abstention on the Gaza ceasefire resolution before the UN Security Council. In a statement, Franklin criticized the decision, calling it a "critical foreign policy failure by the Biden Administration."Franklin emphasized the importance of reaffirming American support for Israel and its right to defend itself. He urged the President to denounce the ceasefire and specifically highlighted the need for proposals that demand the safe return of all hostages. According to Franklin, anything less than...

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Franklin Introduces New Personnel Accountability Measure for VA Staff

By Polk Times | Mar 20, 2024

Rep. Scott Franklin introduced a new bill, the Personnel Integrity in Veterans Affairs Act, aimed at ensuring transparency in how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) records disciplinary actions against VA staff accused of inappropriate behavior. In a statement, Rep. Franklin emphasized the importance of holding VA staff accountable, stating, “VA staff must not be allowed to hide behind settlement agreements and other bureaucratic loopholes to avoid scrutiny and evade accountability for misconduct.”During a House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) hearing in 2016,...

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Franklin, Ernst Fight To Track Taxpayer Dollars Subsidizing Federal Employee Unions

By Polk Times | Mar 14, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) are leading the charge in Congress to track taxpayer dollars subsidizing federal employee unions. The duo has introduced legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in how federal agencies allocate resources for union activities.Rep. Franklin emphasized the need for transparency, stating, "Lingering pandemic telework policies cause backlogs and make it harder for Americans to get swift assistance." He further added, "American taxpayers shouldn’t pay for empty federal buildings and...

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Franklin Votes to Protect American Privacy & National Security

By Polk Times | Mar 13, 2024

Washington, DC—Today, Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) has voiced his support for the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, as he addressed concerns around data privacy and national security. Franklin clarified, "Contrary to popular belief, this bill is not a 'ban' on TikTok. It simply requires TikTok to divest from ownership by a U.S. foreign adversary within 180 days."Highlighting the potential threats posed by foreign entities, Franklin emphasized, "The Chinese Communist Party will stop at nothing to undermine U.S. world leadership and...

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Did farm subsidies in cities associated with Polk County rise or fall in 2021?

By Polk Times | Feb 27, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Polk County received $29 million less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.

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How much did farmers in Polk County receive in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021?

By Polk Times | Feb 22, 2024

Farms in Polk County received $10,213,390 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Franklin Votes to Impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

By Polk Times | Feb 13, 2024

In a bold move, Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) has voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Franklin released a statement explaining his decision, expressing his concerns about the state of national security and the need for accountability.According to Franklin, Secretary Mayorkas has failed in his duty to protect the United States, thereby jeopardizing the lives of every American. Franklin's vote for impeachment is seen as a necessary step to address the crisis at the southern border and safeguard our communities.The decision to impeach Mayorkas is...

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Rep. Scott Franklin Expresses Support for Israel Aid Package

By Polk Times | Feb 6, 2024

Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) has voiced his support for H.R. 7217, the House Israel aid package, despite its recent failure to pass in the House of Representatives. In a statement issued on February 6, 2024, Franklin emphasized the importance of standing alongside Israel in the face of escalating conflict in the Middle East.The congressman began by recalling the horrifying attack launched by Iran-backed Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. Franklin remarked, "In the months that followed, the conflict with Hamas has only escalated. Iran and its proxies have grown bolder,...

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Franklin, Cherfilus-McCormick Introduce Bill to Ensure Timely Access to Veteran Care

By Polk Times | Jan 30, 2024

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) have introduced a bipartisan bill called the Scheduling for Community Health and Easy Data to Understand for Legislators to Evaluate Services (SCHEDULES) Act. The purpose of this act is to ensure timely treatment for veterans seeking specialty care at the VA. The bill has also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).Congressman Scott Franklin, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and House Military Construction/ VA Appropriations...

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Rep. Scott Franklin Votes No on Third Clean CR Since September

By Polk Times | Jan 18, 2024

Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) has announced his vote against the third clean continuing resolution (CR) proposal since September. In a statement, Franklin expressed his concerns about the unsustainable spending habits of Congress and the need for a more responsible budget process.Franklin emphasized his commitment to breaking away from "business as usual" and criticized the reliance on CRs and omnibus bills. He stated, "I was sent to Washington to fight against 'business as usual' and help break Congress of its bad spending habit. That includes moving away from governing by...